Part 3 Chapter 22 Summary

Lucy again threatens that she will commit suicide. Harry and Fleury try to reason with her, and they attempt to gather contributions to buy sealed food for her at an auction. Barlow does not see why Lucy and the O'Hanlons should be favored over the Eurasian women and refuses to contribute to the young men's fund. Lucy soon begins to host tea parties for her "favorites," and this seems to cheer her up, since she enjoys the company of men. The supplies are so low that tea consists mainly of boiled water, but the guests put on a show of being enthusiastic.

The chockchafer season begins, and great clouds of black bugs cover everything. During tea one afternoon, a swarm of these bugs arrives through an open window, landing on everything. The insects are particularly attracted to Lucy, and they land...